Simon Mountford (died 1495) facts for kids

Sir Simon Montford (who passed away around January 30, 1495) was an important English landowner. He was accused of going against the king and faced serious punishment for it.

Simon Montford was the son of Sir Baldwin Montfort. His mother was Joan, whose father, Sir Richard Vernon, was a very important person in the English Parliament. Simon's father was the first in their family to shorten their last name from "de Montfort" to "Montfort."

An Important Landowner

Simon Montford became the owner of Coleshill Manor in Warwickshire before 1461. This was a large estate in the area known as Arden. He also owned other important lands, including the manors of Kingshurst and Avon Dasset. Even a powerful noble, Sir Edward Grey, Viscount Lisle, held some land from Sir Simon Montford, showing how important Simon was as the "Lord of Coleshill."

Sir Simon's Life and Challenges

In 1465, Simon Montford was found guilty of causing trouble and other wrongdoings. However, he received a pardon from the king the following year. King Edward IV later asked him to join the English army in wars against France. Simon brought five spearmen and sixty archers to serve the king.

From 1469 to 1470, he was in charge of Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight. In April 1471, he was made the sheriff for the areas of Warwick and Leicester. This was a key role, helping to keep law and order for the king.

Later, during the time of King Henry VII, Simon Montford was accused of supporting a rebellion. This rebellion was led by Perkin Warbeck, who pretended to be a prince and claimed he should be king. Simon Montford was put on trial in London on January 30, 1495. He was found guilty and his lands were taken away by the king. Coleshill Manor was then given to Simon Digby.

His Family

Simon Montford married Anne, who was the daughter of Sir Richard Verney. They had three sons and two daughters. His grandson, also named Simon Mountford, later became a Member of Parliament, which is a person elected to represent their area in the government.